Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor
Hostess Betty-May Ashley and retired Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson share a warm moment at the annual KSA Engineers party hosted by the Ashleys, on Saturday, December 16.
Little wonder that this annual shindig is
easily one of the most anticipated seasonal doos, as not only is it a high-profile smasheroni -
expectant with good-times, it has proven to be a sensational affair that far
outranks the moniker ascribed to it as that
of being an annual office party! - Photo by Chester Francis Jackson
For years now, theirs has been one very high-profile and fun-filled annual Yuletide do, that when hosted, makes it clear that the Yuletide season is not only upon us, but the season is well and truly underway!
Little wonder that this annual shindig is easily one of the most anticipated seasonal dos, as not only is it a high-profile smasheroni - expectant with good-times, it has proven to be a sensational affair that far outranks the moniker ascribed to it as that of being an annual office party!
This has never been one of those, as there has never been anything forced at the annual KSA Engineers shindig hosted by its principal and founder, Steve Ashley, and his gorgeous wife, Betty-May Ashley, in the ritzy neighbourhood of Norbrook, St. Andrew.
Here's a fabulous couple, who are very gracious hosts, who seek to host the perfect party for the sheer pleasure of their guests as against it being a party-showpiece! And, the event itself is an actual hybrid as while it's all about KSA's clients, staff and associates, it is also about Betty's Farm and Garden Supplies, as there's no escaping the absolute botanical beauty that is the couple's residence. The already stately residence takes on the elegant grandeur and charm that only comes with the verdant lushness and absolute richness in colour and texture brought on by a sea of sensationally beautiful exotic orchids, so strategically placed, that they act like beacons of fabulousness in an already rich and colourful garden.
Her cardinal rule
It was a wise, much-loved and admired New York (Eastside and the Hampton's) socialite who immortalised the phrase: "One can always tell those with style, by their gardens and or how they serve vegetables!" Her cardinal rule was gardens must reflect love and care, and nothing else. I'll tell y'all about her prescription for
vegetables in another sitting.
It was to the sight of this welcoming and resplendent garden that guests were greeted last Saturday evening-night as they arrived at the Ashleys' home. The hostess,
looking her fabulous self and sporting a black couture ensemble as she greeted her arriving guests from a recessed position in her gardens. Her hubby, sporting shirtsleeves, was doing the rounds as he greeted everyone with a word of felicitation, reflecting the season of good cheers. So the stage was set for a fab event.
Trust moi, there was music, but this here party was dancing to the beat of a different drummer as here the music, fab though it was, was for the most part relegated to being a mere bystander as the energy that had the juices flowing was that of social and political power!
No run-of-the-mill
To be sure, it was not all about the powerful, but it was that kind of night, as the affair began easy enough some time after 8:00 p.m. But by 10 o'clock, it was clear for all to see that this was no run-of-the-mill Christmas office party, but a gathering of the political, social and financial potentates; the movers and shakers, and not to mention the intelligentsia and king makers! It was hot and sizzling like social magma!
Hosted a-la-poolside, the place was more than amply decked out for the affair as the hosts took extra care to facilitate extra seating arrangements in the gardens and away from the hustle and bustle of a party in full gear and it worked like a charm.
The pool bar was the preferred profiling point as it offered the best vantage spot from which to really not just see and be seen, but also to fully appreciate the spread of the party.
Those out included a sparkling Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller; her predecessor, a relaxed-looking P.J. Patterson; Junior Tourism Minister, Dr. Wykeham McNeill; MP O.T. Williams; Security conglomateur, Kenny Benjamin; Tastee Patty magnate, Vincent Chang; Hopeton Caven; Horace and Norma Clarke; Yvon Desulme and his simply fabulous wife, Cynthia Desulme; Lance and Barbara Johnson; Harold Brady; Khalil Azan; Steve Khemlani and his lovely wife, Karishma Khemlani, and her sibling, Madhu Chatani; Tanny Shirley; Howard and Sandra Aris; plastic surgeon to the fab and well-to-do, Dr. Guyann Arscott; Dr. Glenda Simms; Dr. Winty Davidson; broadcaster Fae Ellington, looking simply fab; Ray Campbell; Romy Suboki; a flawless-looking Betty Delfosse-Ingleton; Dr. Lennox and Katie Francis; Dr. Andre Foote; the lovely Dr. Lorna Simmonds; Norman McDonald and wife, Dr. Marie McDonald; Wayne and Marie Iton; Eunice Morrison and her sister-in-law, Gaye Morrison; Morris and Claudette Chin.
Evon Lloyd and wife, Jacqui Coke-Lloyd; Andre Hylton; the voluptuous and vivacious Terry Campbell; JB and Lola Gordon; Robert Haughton; the charming Edrica Smith; Avichai Menelson; Vernon Morris; Yuval and Mired Maoz; Neil Lawrence; Fitness enthusiast and TV Fitness hostess, Karelle Ashley; Tibbi Spingold; June Matthews; Dave Palmer, in from Atlanta plus several more.
